BMW 5-Series

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Model Overview

The 5 Series is BMW’s midsize luxury sedan, positioned between the ubiquitous 3 Series and the all-singing-all-dancing 7.

History

The 5 Series traces its roots (in the U.S., at least) back to 1975. At a time when American automakers offered oversized cars (under)powered by emissions-choked V-8s, the 530i was lovely and lively—a real revelation to drive.

Six generations brought us to the 2011 F10 version; we thought the outgoing E60 was no match for its predecessor, the E39, and were looking for improvement. Our First Test of a 535i was lukewarm at best, and in our First Test of a 550i we appreciated the gadgetry but missed the dynamics: “In BMW’s quest to become the world’s premier luxury brand, it has infused the 5 Series with a level of sublime quiet, comfort, and gadgetry that Mercedes, Audi, Lexus, and Cadillac can’t beat. Unfortunately, the sublime driving and handling dynamics that once set this model apart from its competitors has now been lost for two generations.” Still, as a 2010 comparison test revealed, at least the 535i was able to top the Mercedes-Benz E350.

We kept trying: Lieberman drove the 2012 535i and called it “A very good luxury car. Nothing less, and sadly, nothing more.” Evans sampled the four-cylinder 528i introduced that year and praised the engine but little else, calling it “a triumph of the market, if not the enthusiast.” Reynolds was a bit more enthusiastic about the ActiveHybrid 5: “Its driving experience absolutely is worthy of the marque’s performance heritage.” 2014 saw the addition of the diesel-powered 535d. We love a good diesel, and in our First Test we found that the torque of this new engine was perfect for the 5: “The 535d is the new powertrain sweet spot in the 5 Series lineup.”

The hot-rod M5 has been a high point from the get-go, despite the old car’s V10 being replaced by a 4.4 liter twin-turbo V-8. “Better than its predecessor in every way,” we wrote in our First Drive of a 2012 BMW M5. A full test revealed that “the latest generation of M5 manages to address the daily driving issues ignored by the E60, while simultaneously blowing it out of the water in performance.”

The Current Generation

The BMW 5 Series is new for the 2017 model year. The 528i model is gone, replaced by the 530i that has a bit more power and, like every 2017 5 Series, is slightly lighter than before. The turbo-six option called the 540i is now good for 335 hp, and there’s also a 530e plug-in hybrid coming and, most likely, an M550i model. There are more autonomous driver aids than before, and the 7 Series’ gesture control makes an appearance on the options list, too.

Why You’d Want One

The 5 Series matches its rivals on space and luxurious accommodations.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

For the last few years, the driving experience hasn’t always been as involving as we expect from a BMW.